March of the Demonstrators
On January 1, a group of Parisians celebrated the arrival of 2007 by protesting its arrival. They asked the onlookers to sign a petition asking the UN to "stop time's 'mad race' " and to declare a moratorium on the future.
The demonstrators probably were just using a unique, unexpected way to celebrate the arrival of the new year. They also got me to think what would happen if a group people with a bone to pick gather to demonstrate. The people in the following list probably need to stage a march to be seen and heard. Some of the causes are quite silly, but some (to me at least) may be causes worth fighting for.
- The price of organic food
In most places, organic food cost more than inorganic food. So the aim is simple: to get the producers of organic food to lower the price so that more people can enjoy the benefits of such food. Why do organic food cost more when the cost of buying pesticides or chemical fertilizers is zero. Why can't the growers pass the money they save to the customers?
- The restrictive 24-hour day
"There just aren't enough hours in a day" is a common gripe among city dwellers. These people can gather to demand for more hours in a day so that they can get everything they want to do done. The increase in the number of hours also allows people to sleep longer after an exhausting day at work.
- Time moving at constant rate
There are times when we wish for time to slow down (especially when we are having a good time). There are also occasions when we would like time to move at a faster pace (for example, during a particularly drawn-out meeting). For this protest, placards such as "Time slows down for no one, but why can't time slows for everyone?", "Why does time has to fly", or "It's time for time to use slower modes of transportation" can be used.
- Cost of a night out in town being an arm and a leg
All right, it does not cost an arm and a leg to go have a pint, to the movies, the theatre, or a sporting event. However, the cost of going to these events/places—parking/transportation, tickets, food and drink, souvenirs—is higher than what most people are able (or willing) to pay for. The protest alone probably won't drive prices down. To increase the impact, those participating in this type of protest can boycott going to bars, clubs, movie theatres, and stadias and encourage others to do the same.
- Arbitrary re-definitions of words
In recent memory, the definition of a planet probably is the most controversial re-definition of a word. Those who have protested against the demotion of Pluto (there were actually such demonstrations made) can go a step further and demand Oxford and Webster's to stop publishing new editions of dictionaries. (The people who fight against the annual modification of textbooks may consider joining this demonstration.)
- The unrelenting pursuit of salesmen
Even if you look the other way, they will approach you and promote services that you don't need. While no-call lists can reduce (or eliminate) the sales pitches over the phone, it may be difficult to get away from one on the street if you walk too close to the salespeople. Demand an end to cold calling and fight for the right to walk on the street without being coerced to buy something.
- The tether that chains them to their work (a.k.a technology)
Technology has made work easier for some. For others, it is a struggle to learn to use a technological product or skill. Only when after mastering a skill do they realize that it is obsolete. To make matters worse, many people are still connected to their work place even when they are not at work (through their cell phones, pagers, Blackberries). Organizers of such a protest can pass the word through word of mouth and snail mail. Phone calls are allowed as long as land lines are used. To emphasize the message, no electronic device is allowed.
- Protest the lack of coverage on certain protests
There are many protests not covered by the mainstream broadcast or print media. There are many reasons for the lack of coverage: some are ignored because of low attendance of the demonstration; while some are not covered because the demonstration is for an obscure cause that no outsider understands. To kindle (or rekindle) interest, a demonstration can be staged to protest against the lack of coverage some protests receive. However, people fighting for different causes should refrain from mentioning their original cause, as it may send a mixed message to the bystanders.